Anyone else hate their Pontiac Sunfire?

Question

i didn't have much choice. i needed a car, it was affordable, but if i was to do it again i wouldn't buy another. No real power, it's more plastic than metal, i could go on.

Answer 1

O.K. when new but after about 3 or 4 yrs. POS.

Answer 2

After 11 years, I finally traded in my '96 Pontiac Sunfire last month. First year model, and no major trouble in well over 100K miles (the distributor went out once and the battery died once - those were the only times I was stranded). In the end, the brakes and tires were shot, so I decided it was a good time to trade.

For as small as it was, the back seat could comfortably handle two adult passengers. Coworkers commented on how much interior room was available in that small of a car.

I found the driver's seat was more comfortable than entry-level vehicles from Mazda, Chrysler or Toyota at that time - and I test drove several others before buying the Sunfire.

I was in the same boat as you. The Sunfire, Corolla, Protege, etc. were in my price range. I'd do the Sunfire in a heartbeat if I were in that situation again today. It was a reliable car. I agree, the lower third of the body is all plastic and doesn't look great. For the money though, it was a good little car

A great thing about the car was the amazing traction in bad weather. More than once that car got me through bad snow storms when the only other vehicles on the road were 4 wheel drive trucks. I travelled for my job so I had to keep going, and the traction control was really fantastic. The car kept going until the snow got too deep for the undercarriage - really!

I got my money's worth out of the car.

Answer 3

Here's the thing ... you really do get what you pay for. The Pontiac Sunfire never was supposed to be more then an economic sporty entry-level car. It's an ideal car for a 'first car' but it's not really ideal for anything else. It's really not fair to compare it to any other car that's not in its class either because of course it's not going to measure up.

Back when I was young (about 10 years ago) I got a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier and I was sold on it because in the years leading up to that point I saw an incredible amount of TV commercials for the Chevrolet Cavalier that suggested it was an extremely reliable car. And admittedly those commercials affected me.

And, in the 3 years (100,000 miles) that I had that car I never once had any major problems with it. It was the most reliable car I had ever had and with a 5-speed in it and 120 horses under the hood it was a half decent and fun car to drive too. It always got me where I needed to go and was extremely reliable and for $12,000.00 I really couldn't complain about that and would buy that car all over again if I could go back in time. I just would try not to total it again. :)

Now, for the last 5 years I've driven a Pontiac Grand Am and of course it rides a lot better then that Cavalier ever did and it has more power and more toys too... but it also cost me more money to purchase too.

It wouldn't be fair to compare the two cars because they're in a different class, not only size-wise but also price-wise.

If I were you, I would keep driving your Pontiac Sunfire until it's paid off and then some.... (just deal with it as far as it feeling 'cheap') and then save yourself up some money and buy a car that has a bit more quality to it.

You know, it could be worse. Back in my Chevrolet Cavalier driving days I once got stuck with a Hyundai Accent. It was brand new with 10 miles on it - yes 10 miles. And my Chevrolet Cavalier with 100,000 miles on it drove better then it did. I know Hyundai has come a long ways from those days but still .... believe it or not there are probably many people out there who would love to have your Pontiac Sunfire.

Be thankful for what you got now and drive it until you get your money's worth out of it all the while saving your money for something better that you'll be able to purchase in the future. Good luck.

Answer 4

I have a 98 Pontiac Sunfire, it has over 162k and its barely starting to give me problems. It never once left me stranded like the Ford I had before. I've taken my car all over the country and its been great. Its time to say goodbye to my sunfire and move on up. But if someone where to offer me a free Ford and a Sunfire, I'll take the sunfire over the ford anytime. So no I dont hate my little grimlin, I love it. And yes this was my first car. And yes its an entry car, not a racer and I guess you can even call it a chick car.

Answer 5

a sunfire has no power stock but throw on headers and a cold air intake, and make a cat back exhaust and you will gain alot more power for a sunfire. I did this and i gained just about 100hp

Answer 6

Gm wanted a car they could sell cheap and make a buck, like any car thats cheap it won't last too long without you putting some money into it. Ask the mechanics what they would buy. I would bet honda, they last longer but are more money. So its your choice.

Answer 7

ur in luck. Pontiac doesn't make it anymore. It died in 2004 with the Cavalier. Now a replaceement, the G5, is here. Much, much better.

Answer 8

I have an 02, SE, coupe, 2.2 auto. I got it used in 04. never had a lick of troble out of it. it has 120h/p and it seems to have enough giddy up for the kind of car it is.

I race dirt track and at one time i race a 2000 2.2 auto in my racecar. and it was a dang good motor.

but they do make lemons in all of em i guess,

Answer 9

i have a cavalier race car and i dont have a problem with it, then again its not really anything close to what a factory car is..

Answer 10

Consumer reports rates this car as one of the worst ever made. I have a friend who had one and he said it was the biggest piece of .......... he has ever owned...